A carved Buddha image made from Taeo or Tew wood introduces a recurring Songkran tradition in Phanat Nikhom: every year on April 19, a procession passes through the village at Wat Hua Thanon. The temple is in Tambon Hua Thanon in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom. This gives travellers a specific festival date to plan around; archaeological traces, handicrafts and nature observation reveal other facets of the area.
Archaeological Traces and Time Periods
Ban Khok Phanom Di is a prehistoric settlement in Tambon Tha Kham. Mueang Phra Rot in Tambon Na Phra That is an ancient urban settlement. Archaeological finds suggest that Mueang Phra Rot originated in the Dvaravati period, around Buddhist centuries 12 to 16, and continued into the Lopburi period, approximately Buddhist centuries 17 to 18. The two sites offer different historical perspectives: at Ban Khok Phanom Di, its prehistoric classification is central; at Mueang Phra Rot, development across two named periods can be traced. These dates are approximate assessments based on archaeological finds, not a single year of foundation.
Waterways and Laterite
Several waterways run into the area of the ancient city of Mueang Phra Rot, including Khlong Sa Klang, Khlong Luang and Khlong Phan Thong. Sa Siliam offers a distinct perspective on landscape design: there, in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom, is a square pond excavated in laterite. Its stone surfaces were cut vertically downwards and smoothed. Visitors interested in the material design of such places will find specific details here about their shape, rock and workmanship.
Handicrafts and Cultural Projects
The Traditional Bamboo Handicraft Center in Phanat Nikhom District preserves bamboo-weaving techniques, a folk art passed down through generations. In 1978, its preservation was supported there by a project of Queen Sirikit’s SUPPORT Foundation. This brings together the craft’s long history of transmission and a specific support measure from 1978. Museums are also part of the area’s cultural attractions: the Wat Kaew Noi Community Museum and the Local Water Heritage Museum in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom were developed as destinations for sustainable cultural tourism as part of a project.
Flying Foxes at Wat Luang Phrommawat
At Wat Luang Phrommawat in Tambon Wat Luang, visitors can see large groups of flying foxes that have roosted in the trees within the temple grounds for more than 100 years. The procession at Wat Hua Thanon takes place on a fixed date every year; at Wat Luang Phrommawat, the animals’ long-standing presence is the main attraction. The temple is on Route 315. It is approximately 700 metres from the road entrance. Check local road conditions when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Nong Yai District, Bang Lamung, Phan Thong District, Ban Bueng District, Chon Buri District
Return to the main travel overview: Chonburi.
